Search Lincoln County Dissolution Of Marriage Records
Lincoln County dissolution of marriage records are filed with the County Clerk's office in Davenport and kept as part of the Superior Court record. If you need to find out whether a dissolution was filed in Lincoln County, get a copy of a decree, or look up a case, the clerk's office is where you start. Lincoln County is one of Washington's smaller rural counties, but its clerk handles the full range of Superior Court cases. This page covers what you need to know about searching Lincoln County dissolution records, getting copies, understanding fees, and finding legal help if you need it.
Lincoln County Overview
Lincoln County Superior Court Clerk
The Lincoln County Clerk is an independent elected official under the Washington State Constitution, Article IV, Section 26. The clerk's office is the administrative and financial officer of the Superior Court. It receives and processes all documents filed in Superior Court, including felony criminal, civil, domestic and family law, probate, guardianship, adoption, paternity, and juvenile cases. Dissolution of marriage falls under the domestic and family law category.
The clerk preserves court records and makes them available to the public. Staff can provide the status of a case, pull the court file, and make copies. They cannot give legal advice and are not permitted to speculate about judicial decisions. For divorce records specifically, the Lincoln County Public Records page directs people to contact the County Clerk's office directly at 509-725-1401.
The clerk also serves as jury management officer for Lincoln County. The office is located at the courthouse in Davenport.
| Office | Lincoln County Superior Court Clerk |
|---|---|
| Address | 450 Logan Street Davenport, WA 99122 |
| Phone | 509-725-1401 |
| Website | co.lincoln.wa.us |
The Lincoln County clerk's office handles dissolution of marriage records for all Superior Court cases filed in Davenport.
How to Search Lincoln County Dissolution Records
The primary online tool for searching Lincoln County dissolution of marriage cases is the statewide Washington Courts portal at odysseyportal.courts.wa.gov. You can search by party name or case number and see basic case information including filing date, case status, and docket entries. This is free to use and works for cases across Washington, including Lincoln County.
For older records not in the online system, the Washington State Digital Archives is a good resource. The Digital Archives holds historical Superior Court records from many Washington counties going back many years. Searches are free. You may find index information there even if full document images are not available.
To get actual copies of dissolution documents, you need to contact the Lincoln County Clerk directly. Call 509-725-1401 or visit the office in Davenport. Staff can search by name or case number. Bring photo ID if you visit in person. Know the approximate year the case was filed if you do not have a case number. Lincoln County is small, so wait times for records requests are generally shorter than in larger counties.
Many Lincoln County Auditor services are available online or by mail, though dissolution records specifically are handled through the Superior Court Clerk, not the Auditor.
Fees and Costs
Filing for dissolution of marriage in Lincoln County costs approximately $280. This fee is paid to the clerk when you file the Petition for Dissolution. Washington State sets the base filing fee; Lincoln County may add local surcharges. The petitioner pays this fee at the time of filing. If the case is dismissed or withdrawn, filing fees are generally not refunded.
Certified copies of the Decree of Dissolution typically cost $5 for the first page and $1 for each page after that. Plain copies are less expensive. If you need a written search report, there may be an hourly search fee. Call the clerk's office to confirm current rates before sending a request.
If cost is a barrier, you can ask the court to waive the filing fee. You fill out a motion and financial declaration. People who receive public assistance or whose household income falls below 200% of the federal poverty level often qualify. Fee waiver forms are available on the Washington Courts website and at the Lincoln County Clerk's office.
What Records Are Available
Lincoln County dissolution of marriage records at the clerk's office include the Petition for Dissolution, the Summons, proof of service on the other spouse, any motions or hearings that occurred during the case, financial declarations, and the final Decree of Dissolution. If children were part of the case, the parenting plan and child support order are in the file as well. Settlement agreements covering property and debts are also part of the record.
Most dissolution records in Lincoln County are open to public inspection. You do not need to be a party to the case to request copies. However, certain records are restricted. Adoption and paternity records may be sealed. Mental illness records filed in the case are confidential under Washington law. Juvenile dependency files are also closed. If any exhibits in the case were sealed by court order, those will not be available.
Washington State also tracks dissolution records at the state level. The Department of Health issues divorce certificates for dissolutions granted since 1968. These certificates are a simplified proof of the dissolution and do not contain the full terms of the decree. Order them from the DOH vital records office.
The Lincoln County Clerk's office processes and permanently preserves all Superior Court records, including dissolution of marriage case files.
Getting Copies
You can get copies of Lincoln County dissolution records by visiting the clerk's office in Davenport or sending a written request by mail. The office is at 450 Logan Street, Davenport, WA 99122. The mailing address is PO Box 28, Davenport, WA 99122. Call 509-725-1401 before your visit to confirm hours and current procedures.
When you request copies, include the full names of both parties, the year the dissolution was filed, and the case number if you have it. Indicate whether you need a certified copy or a plain photocopy. Certified copies are what you need for legal transactions like name changes or updating a passport. Plain copies work for general reference.
Payment must be made in advance. Check with the office about accepted payment methods. Mail requests should include a self-addressed stamped envelope and a check or money order for the estimated copy fees.
Lincoln County Superior Court handles dissolution of marriage cases for all residents of the county, with the court located in Davenport.
Legal Help in Lincoln County
Lincoln County is a rural area with limited local legal services, but several statewide resources can help. Northwest Justice Project provides free civil legal help to low-income residents throughout Washington, including Lincoln County. They handle family law cases including dissolution, custody, and support. Call (888) 201-1014 or go to nwjustice.org to learn more and check eligibility.
WashingtonLawHelp at washingtonlawhelp.org has guides written for people without lawyers. You can find step-by-step instructions on how to file for dissolution, what forms to use, and what to expect at each stage. All official court forms are at courts.wa.gov/forms. These are the approved forms used in all Washington counties.
The Washington State Bar Association runs a statewide lawyer referral service. Call (206) 443-9722 or search for attorneys at wsba.org. Washington's dissolution law under RCW Chapter 26.09 applies equally in Lincoln County. The state requires a 90-day waiting period after filing and service before a dissolution can be finalized, per RCW 26.09.030.
Cities in Lincoln County
Lincoln County communities include Davenport, Harrington, Creston, Odessa, Reardan, and Sprague. All dissolution of marriage cases for Lincoln County residents go through the Superior Court in Davenport.
No cities in Lincoln County meet the population threshold for individual city pages on this site. All residents of Lincoln County file dissolution cases at the Lincoln County Superior Court Clerk's office in Davenport.
Nearby Counties
These counties share borders with Lincoln County. Make sure you file in the county where you live. If you have a question about which county applies to your address, contact the clerk's office.